1
as in kind
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
brought homemade chicken soup out of kindly concern for my health
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpful
promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being
a vegetarian diet can be very kindly to a person hoping to lose a few pounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in nicely
with good reason or courtesy
would you kindly hand me the scissors?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pretty
chiefly Southern
to some degree or extent
their visit was kindly a surprise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kindly
Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Nov. 2025
Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
Jo, now 31, speaks about her ex-fiancé more kindly than some people speak about their current partners.
—Jenny Singer, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kindly
Adjective
Jenna and Kevin, the warring magazine writers, seek refuge at The Winters Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast owned by the kindly Christopher and Carol Winters.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Nov. 2025
Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
Adverb
At night double cleanse using a separate makeup remover (wipes are great) to kindly but thoroughly get makeup and sunscreen off and out of pores.
—Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
Jo, now 31, speaks about her ex-fiancé more kindly than some people speak about their current partners.
—Jenny Singer, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kindly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindly
Adjective
-
The only thing keeping them from the bottom is the Boston Red Sox, who still play at a stadium not known to be kind to pitchers, Fenway Park.—
Mac Engel
April 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The story behind the brand is the kind foodies love.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Plus, the sandals have a thick leather strap that provides a pillowy cushion around the top of the foot, which is helpful for anyone with foot ailments.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
-
For example, some users reported an AI tool that analyzes the cost of legislation is helpful, while other reported errors with the technology.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Adverb
-
Our lunches were also always served or packed nicely with cloth placemats, napkins, and silverware.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But if things unfold as nicely in 2027 as well as Gang Green’s haul seemed to go this year, then New York should actually be a legitimate playoff contender by 2028 … or so.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
So again, a pretty serious album there.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
-
That’s pretty great to know that your school has produced some pretty cool athletes like that.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Her personality was so engaging, made everyone feel seen, heard, cared for, compassionate, fair-minded.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
-
When delivered as intended, hospice remains one of the most compassionate and effective models of care in our healthcare system.—
Tom Koutsoumpas,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The video titles, descriptions and opening sequences often give the illusion that the content is educational and beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers.—
Dana Suskind,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Basil and tomatoes share a mutually beneficial relationship.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
This is not a call to apply lower standards to those with mental illness, but to apply the existing standards more thoughtfully.—
Jeffrey Freedman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The 100-year-old house has been thoughtfully reworked with whimsical interiors that balance personality and polish alongside the comforts of a modern stay.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
However, the day did not go quite according to plan for Dale Coyne Racing's Romain Grosjean, and that was all thanks to an unfortunate run-in — in the most literal sense imaginable — with a bird.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
General Daily Insight for April 29, 2026 Tension shows up today when timing, tone, or expectations don’t quite match.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindly. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
